Highlands face disaster after EU grants end, warns official

Direct support is key to the viability of agriculture businesses in the Highlands, say farmersJAMES GLOSSOP /THE TIMES

The Scottish Highlands are facing economic catastrophe and depopulation akin to the US “dust bowls” after EU subsidies come to an end, a senior Brussels adviser has warned.

Farmers could abandon their land if British support does not match the subsidies provided by the EU, according to a European Commission official who is not authorised to speak openly.

This would have implications for food security and “possibly calamitous” consequences for the Scottish environment, the official claimed.

Michael Gove, the environment secretary, has pledged to replicate the distribution of EU subsidies, which hands Scotland 16 per cent of Britain’s allocation, despite being home to only 8 per cent of the population, in recognition of its vast area and challenging climate.

The commission has questioned how sustainable…

Want to read more?

Subscribe now and get unlimited digital access on web and our smartphone and tablet apps, free for your first month.